Bac Giang (VNA) ๊– The northern province of Bac Giang has reaffirmed its commitment to effectively implementing ethnic minority programmes and policies in 2025, focusing on socio-economic development, infrastructure investment, and community engagement.

According to deputy head of the provincial Committee for Ethnic Minority Affairs Truong Van Bao, the province will prioritise the execution of projects approved by the Government and the provincial People's Committee. The projects include the National Target Programme for Socio-Economic Development in Ethnic Minority and Mountainous Areas for the 2021–2030 period, with the first phase spanning 2021–2025. Additionally, preparations are underway for the second conference to honour outstanding individuals in ethnic minority and mountainous areas, scheduled for 2025. To ensure the success of these initiatives, the committee will intensify coordination with relevant departments and local authorities. Emphasis will be placed on accelerating project implementation, disbursing allocated funds promptly, and enhancing the quality of infrastructure projects. Public awareness campaigns will be conducted to disseminate information about the objectives and significance of these programmes.

Various communication methods will be employed to encourage active participation and oversight by community members, thereby fostering transparency and accountability.

In 2025, the committee plans to collaborate with provincial departments and district-level People's Committees to strengthen monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of projects. This approach aims to promptly identify and address any irregularities, ensuring efficient use of resources and adherence to regulations. The province has also proposed the Government and the Vietnam Bank for Social Policies to allocate credit funds in line with Decree No. 28/2022/NĐ-CP. This decree outlines preferential credit policies under the National Target Programme for Socio-Economic Development in Ethnic Minority and Mountainous Areas for the 2021–2030 period. Reflecting on 2024, the province effectively implemented various ethnic minority programmes and policies. The total budget from central, provincial, and district sources for the National Target Programme amounted to nearly 734 billion VND (28.3 million USD). Key projects included capacity building for community members and programme implementers, initiatives to reduce early and consanguineous marriages, and legal education campaigns. Furthermore, the province executed specific programmes tailored to its unique context, such as vocational training for ethnic minority labourers during the 2022–2025 period and activities promoting gender equality. Efforts were also intensified to combat drug-related crimes in ethnic minority and mountainous areas. In 2024, the provincial Committee for Ethnic Minority Affairs, in collaboration with the provincial Police Department, organised 10 awareness-raising conferences attended by 760 reputable individuals from various community organisations in districts like Son Dong and Luc Ngan. Infrastructure development was another focal point. Under the 2022–2024 plan, the province invested in constructing underground works and community bridges in ethnic minority and mountainous areas. Of the 26 projects funded in 2024, 24 were completed and put into operation, achieving a completion rate of 92.3%. With these concerted efforts, the province aims to foster sustainable socio-economic development, improve living standards, and preserve the cultural identity of its ethnic minority communities./.